Telly bosses are currently battling it out for the rights to bring the World Gypsy Dance Championships 2014 to our screens. The first and only worldwide contest for dancers from the Gypsy, Roma, Traveller community is to be hosted in London later this year, at the prestigious Tabernacle, Notting Hill. Organisers have already begun the worldwide search for a dance star from the community, and are expecting stiff competition for the coveted gold medal. As well as holding the title of World Gypsy Dance Champion, the winner will also take home a cash prize.
Running the contest is Irish Romany Gypsy, Róisín Mullins, a former Irish Dance World Medallist and dancer with Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance. Róisín has judged thousands of acts, in TV talent shows such as Travellers Got Talent, Britain Does Variety, and Gypsy and Traveller Face of the Year, alongside celebrities such as David Essex, Emma Barton, Naomi Wilkinson, Dave Payne, and Jentina. Róisín has also danced on TV alongside celebrities such as Louis Walsh, Paddy McGuinness and Ant and Dec with her own Irish Dance troupe, Raven. But now Róisín is encouraging dancers from the community to hit auditions at events throughout the UK, Ireland and Europe, for a chance to compete at the London final.
Joining Róisín to organise the contest is her partner, Irish dance show producer and Romany Gypsy, Jack Jacobs. The pair are keen to show off a more positive side to the community, and reveal some of its hidden talent, at what they hope will be the biggest gathering of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller dancers in history.
Celebrities rumoured to be taking a seat on the judging panel alongside Róisín include world famous Gypsy dancers, and stars from the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing.
Entrants can compete in any dance style, such as Flamenco, Irish Dancing, Stepdance, Ballroom, Street dance etc. but must be aged over 16, and from a Gypsy, Roma or Traveller background. The competition is open to competitors from all countries.
To enter visit www.worldgypsydancechampionships.com or email roisinmullins@live.co.uk
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